Editor’s note: In America follows the fight to win an essential voting bloc in Nevada, a battleground state with one of the fastest-growing Latino populations in the nation. Soledad O’Brien reports “Latino in America: Courting Their Vote” at 8 p.m. ET Sunday.

By Moni Basu, CNN

(CNN) - Marlene Monteolivo was a Democrat for many years, then a Republican. Now she's registered as a nonpartisan voter in Nevada who wants to support a candidate who will make the economy better.

The Colombia native, who works for a Las Vegas social services agency, says she's leaning toward GOP challenger Mitt Romney. She likes his business sensibilities.

It's the 200-pound anchor on the Republican message, say experts in Nevada politics.

Monteolivo doesn't like that Republicans blocked passage of the Dream Act, which would have created a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. She bristled at Romney's comment that 47% of Americans feel entitled to government aid. She took it to mean that Latinos, many of whom are not well off, are considered freeloaders.

Come November, Monteolivo says, her option might be to "vote for none of the above."

Add that to Latino disillusion with Obama for failing to pass comprehensive immigration reform, and Romney ought to be able to grab a chunk of Latino voters, says Carlo Maffatt, who works on Latino outreach for the Republican Party.

"With the economy as bad as it is, you would think lot of people would blame Obama and say, 'Let me give Mitt Romney a shot,' " Maffatt says.

But that's not the case.

In 2008, Nevada Latinos overwhelmingly voted for Obama, with whose help he handily defeated Arizona Sen. John McCain. Latinos were energized then by the promise of change in America's immigration policies.

Four years later, the Dream Act - designed to create a path to citizenship for some young undocumented immigrants - is all but dead on Capitol Hill.

"You hear Latino voices saying. 'Obama has not delivered,' " says David Damore, a University of Las Vegas political scientist. But that disappointment is more likely to translate into a "let's-just-stay-at-home" attitude - as is the case with Monteolivo - instead of voting GOP, even though Romney has tried to hit home with his message in Nevada.

"I have walked in Nevada neighborhoods blighted by abandoned homes, where people wonder why Barack Obama failed them," Romney said in a speech in Las Vegas earlier this year. "Well, Mr. President, Nevada has had enough of your kind of help."

Tough times might be the reason why Nevada has gone from a strong Obama state in 2008 to a real battleground this time around. But it may not be enough to sway Latinos. That's because many of them - such as Monteolivo - cannot get over a widely held perception that the Republican Party's immigration policy boils down to a debate on how high to build the fence along the border, Damore says.

The thinking is, he says, is that maybe we should give Romney a chance to fatten our pocketbooks but we can't take the risk with immigration.

That perception has not been eased any by Republican candidates in the state. In the nasty 2010 Senate race, Republican Sharron Angle claimed her opponent, veteran Sen. Harry Reid, was too soft on illegal immigration.

Since then, Nevada's Latino voters have grown in numbers. They have, after all, accounted for nearly half of the overall population growth in the state over the past 10 years. Their voting clout is sure to keep rising, and they form a voting bloc that will keep gaining national significance.

"The Latino vote may not be wild about Obama, but Romney has not shown them what he can do," says Herzik, chairman of his university's political science department. Romney's argument, says Herzik, is that everyone will be better off with lower taxes and less government regulation.

"That's a very nonspecific message," Herzik says for Nevadans who are about to lose their home, lose everything. "Many in Nevada are saying. 'I'm not having a problem paying my taxes. I'm having a problem paying my mortgage.' "

If the Republicans were able to effectively lay out their economic message, they might have a chance in getting Latinos to overlook what they see as problems in GOP immigration policy, Herzik says.

Omar Lopez voted for Obama in 2008 but this year, he is still undecided.

Lopez's Las Vegas residential real estate business suffered a great deal in one of the hardest-hit housing markets in the country. He downsized his staff from 12 to 3. He says the president has a competitor worth listening to.

In Romney, Lopez sees a successful businessman who can perhaps solve the nation's woes. The problem is he hasn't heard specifics.

Last week, he went to hear Romney's son Craig speak at the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors in hopes of hearing a solid economic recovery plan. Part of that, Lopez says, has to be an emphasis on education.

"We are going to crash as a nation if we stop taking away money from education and the economy will be even worse than what it is," Lopez says. "Our kids are not going to college."

"I haven't heard a specific plan for education," Lopez says. "How are we going to raise our federal budget to support school programs? How are we going to motivate our teachers?"

Education and the economy are huge issues for Lopez, who is raising a 5-year-old son. But immigration policy is right up there.

He achieved the American dream after arriving from Colombia when he was only 21 and understands why immigration is a roadblock between Latinos and the GOP.

Maffatt, the GOP outreach worker, blames it partly on what he calls a lackluster effort by the Republicans. Hands down, he admits, the Democrats have done a better job connecting with Latinos.

He pointed to Obama's Las Vegas campaign appearance Sunday at the predominantly Hispanic Desert Pines High School. Sharing the stage was Mexican band Mana. Obama might as well have had U2 by his side. Obama's sixth appearance in Nevada this year hit the jackpot with Latino voters, who showed up in droves if not to see him, then the hottest rock stars south of the border.

Clever move, says Maffatt, who thinks the Mana concert will help re-energize Democratic Latino voters who might have become disappointed with the president's failure to pass immigration reform.

"Is it the right way to present a candidate? That's debatable," Maffatt says. "But the point is they are doing something. I don't see any (GOP) resources going into Nevada."

Lopez, the real-estate businessman, did not go to hear Mana. He gave his four tickets away to one of his clients.

She called him up the next day crying with excitement. "Oh, God," she told him. "I got to see the president."

It's those small things, Lopez says, that might help Obama with Latinos in Nevada. As for Lopez? He'll be waiting eagerly in front of his television set Wednesday night as Obama and Romney engage in their first debate.

soundoff(598 Responses)

ME

I have read my history. The lesson I have learned is that those who can't defend their land generally lose their land. It was true then, and it is true now. What is going on with our southern border is not immigration, it's an invasion. And if we don't start defending our borders we will lose our land. Simple as that.

I beg to differ, I was born in this country to people who were also born in this country. Everyone in my family was either born here or immigrated LEALLY. The issue is not immigration it is allowing criminals to overrun this country (if you are not here legally then you are committing a crime and therefore a criminal).

ME- "Who cant defend there land loses their land"...So if some mob came to your house, beaten you up, rapped your family members, kicked you guys out...would you stay still and say " its ok, i couldnt defend my house, ill just let it go!"???

Well, seems that most of my Republican buddies (the ones who work for a living and go to church and pay taxes) like the idea of immigrants coming into America. Most of the immigrants WE know, work their asses off! They work long hours and don't complain. After all, THEY have been in places far worse. THEY indicate to US that they are happy to be here and would GLADLY pay taxes with their work wages and probably pay off the national debt in a couple of years just with THEIR taxes. The fraudulent "Tea Party Republicans" are NOT a representation of US. We REAL Republicans are ok with Romney for the following reasons: 1)He knows how to teach people how to make money. 2) He knows how to fire lazy and inefficient workers. 3) He invented State Health Care (sorry Mr Obama, you didn't read the Romney instruction manual and that's why you messed up "Obamacare". 3) Romney has history of sticking to his guns... did you listen to his NAACP presentation? 4) He didn't divorce his sick wife. 5) He has donated more money to charity in one year than I can make in fourteen lifetimes. 6) He has paid more taxes in one year than I will make in four lifetimes. 7) He donated ALL of his inheritance to charity. 8) He refused his salary as Governor. 8) He is the son of an immigrant.

Legal immigrants – not the problem. ILLEGAL = means a crime. Crime equals punishment. It is really a pretty simple deal, our government is just pathetic in enforcing the law. We should be able to defend our borders and keep ILLEGALS out, the ones that get through well – they are trespassing, so what is done to trespassers? We can't be the only ones not enforcing immigration laws, we will lose our country. Want to come here, just do what is legal to do it. EASY – not so much, but anything worth having is never EASY. Coming here ILLEGALLY and living off of taxpayers is easy and it is WRONG.

Never ever let a Businessman run your country. Those who believes will help Economy are naive & it boggles my mind that minions will always be minions because they think like Minions. CEOs majority are for the Board of Directors & Shareholders. Not for the Employees. Take their fair share, let the minions do the work then screw the rest of the people. That's a Businessman's mentality. I am a CFO and that's my share of how things are worked in a Corporation. Well not talking about small businesses.

Yes sir! You got it right. The keyword is SHAREHOLDERS! ... and you don't think that the American businesses and workers will be perceived as shareholders? Then how about this: How many shareholders are just in the Mormon and Catholic faiths in America? I suspect that there are many more!

Obama sealed his victory when he created his mini-amnesty policy over the last year. Sad but true. Many Hispanics have illegal family members they don't want to see deported, it's just human nature and a result of our failed borders. Obama cashed in on it and will win because of it.

You are correct. Those who are already here, make them pay for it. It sounds right to me from a financial point of view. Those who disagree, have little minds who think little pictures of little people making their little point of views. Live outside your small little box and realize how big the world is people. Knowing your neighbor or colleague or friend from a different culture or race just doesn't make you out of the box yet.

The arm chair justice system, you make the call. Watch the plays on your court tv system.
Hear the play by play, see the play from many angles, instant replays galour, close-ups, trash talking and in depth interviews from the players and coaches. Who will be the big winners and loosers.
Its just a game, OR is it?
Vote for me, the only right one, that is left.

Those new Latinos like Lopez and Monteolivo are too young to know the struggles that alot of us older Latino's had to go through in the 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's. They will learn soon on the BS that the Republicans will spew forth. The Republicans are basically a racist political organization. The current goal is block voting in some key states, however, Lopez and Monteolivo are not seeing that because they have not been spit upon, seen turned away from hotels, white only bathrooms, etc.etc.

Latinos- you failed yourselves. Why would anyone want to work to 'deliver' stuff to you if you don't earn it? The freeloading, the anchor babies, the dumb children (as evidenced by high dropout rates) and the crime are all good reasons to abandon you. If you would clean yourselves up and improve on that stuff, people would be more inclined to find value in working with you.

Sucks I have to agree with this guy, but seriously Latinos I know it is cultural and all, but these anchor babies are a serious drain on state economies. You guys have got to stop having kids so flipping early.

It was such a common site to see 16 year olds with a kid and another one on the way. You set your people so far behind by not allowing these women to finish high school and condemning them to minimum wage jobs.

Another Border Patrol Agent Slain in the line of Duty today. I believe that is 3 this year. Obama uses government resources to sue States trying to protect its border when the Federal government has failed. Obama is a panderer passing his immigration act in the name of votes. Obama's #1 priority is his re election, not what is best for this country.

I've been reading some of the comments you guys have posted here and i'm really shocked. I can't believe some of this stuff. Are you republicans really this STUPID. Think about what you are saying. You don't have that much anyway, that’s why you’re working so hard, but you rather give that away to people who already have everything. All because you can't get over some other race being in the Whitehouse for 4 years. THAT's STUPID. If Mitt gets in, he'll take what little you have and then you'll be happy with a white man in the Whitehouse. STUPID.

that is a racist ignorant comment. Obama was elected because people wanted hope and change.
He has failed to turnaround the economy domestically and his foreign policy is non-existent.
Race has nothing to do with his re election, it is the lack/poor results.

I could care less what his color or origin is. I care whether or not he has the same values as I do. Obama is about the most "un-American" president we have ever had. Frankly, I think he cares more for the radical jihadists than he does this country and it's citizens.

You are really good. You managed to get both the class warfare and belief that anyone who opposes Obama as racist in the same post. I personally do not care if the president is purple with lime green polka dots provided he can do the job and I am not convinced that either of these bozos can do it. As to the class warfare why do you not use the terms that your masters keep doing their best not to use of proletariat (middle class) and bourgeois (rich) that way we at least see where you are really coming from

FOR THOSE OF YOU ILLEGALS WHO THINK THAT THEY HAVE TO VOTE. LET ME INFORM YOU THAT YOU CANNOT VOTE IN THE USA. YOU ARE HERE ILLEGALLY AND IF YOU WANT TO VOTE, GET IN LINE AND GO THROUGH THE PROPER CHANNELS TO BECOME A U S CITIZEN, THEN WHEN YOU BECOME A CITIZEN, YOU CAN VOTE! ROMNEY/RYAN IS THE TICKET TO HELP YOU AND NOT THE CURRENT PRESIDENT WHO IS SENSITIVE TO HIS MUSLIM PEOPLE!

They know they can't vote here, if they even try they will get deported. The same goes for any sort of federal aid or unemployment benefits if they apply they will be found and they will be deported. Essentially most try to live off the grid.

It'll be interesting to see how latino's vote with an immigration policy that is basically the same for both parties. The democrats have been trying to buy latino votes with immigration rhetoric in spite of the fact they've done nothing to actually settle the immigration issue even when they had all three seats of power in the federal government between Jan 3, 2007 & January 3rd, 2010. Traditionally hispanics have voted democrat but the values of that party have moved so far left they aren't indicative of the family first, strong work ethic, believe in God core of most hispanic voters.

Lopez is not quite thinking the right way...I would like to know from all the economy plans Mitt and Paul has mentioned what exactly she like about it...sending the money to Cayman Island, exporting jobs so the industry can make a better profit, reducing medicare, social security vouchers, removing welfare, repealing obamacare – not entirely just the sections where everyone should have health insurance, your kids can stay in your plan until 26, and any caps where the insurance plans has to reinburse if people not use the plan to a certain percentage. Any time you ask for specific they give you the run around. Ms. Lopez do you actually think that they will be helping people struggling with mortgages that the republicans believe you are responsible regardless of how situation went on...even if the bank or mortgage broker was to blame in part. Do you think that Education for our children will be better? What do you think about self deportation as Willard mentioned....he is not deporting anyone...he is going to give you the choice to leave the country willingly and if you don't then you get deported or maybe they will have a jailhouse for people that refuse to leave the country. And for those idiots that will bring up the immigrants are taking the jobs. First, what do you think you are? Mix breeds in this nation...no matter how supremacist or people want to claim the purety of their culture...everyone has a mix somewhere...Second, none of those jobs that the immigrants do Americans want to do, because is hard work and the rich don't pay much for it even when cost of living keep skyrocketing to make profit for them So Ms. Lopez I dont' think there is a issue of who Latinos or immigrants should vote for it and it will be ignorant of you to leave this nation on the hands of the wrong people because you don't like this from this one or another. It also very ignorant for anyone to believe that with a Congress that made they made agenda to make the President a one term President that he was going to be able to accomplish everything that he promisse...but with all that turbulance and stomrs he was able to walk thru and still get many things done...that is the kind of President I want...no the one that accomplish some things because it was made easy for him making deals and illegal deals with industry in order to quite the American people and when they finish office we are screwed...but the one that no matter how strong is the wind and how many mountains he has to climb...he did and got stuff done that were worth doing. Regardles of what party you are or you preferred...GET UP GO VOTE.

From your long screed I managed to get two main points. You are a democrat who sees anything that is not spewed forth by the democratic party as evil (BTW I am an independent) and you are for crime as that is what illegals are (the term illegal should be a hint but you are apparently too blinded by the fact that it is not taught by the democratic party to understand)

i've been reading some of the comments you guys have posted here and i'm ready shocked. i can't hardly believe some of this stuff. Ar you republicans really this stupid. Think about what you are saying. You don't have that much but you rather give that away to people who already have everything. And all because you can't get over some other race being in the Whitehouse for 4 years. THAT's STUPID. If Mitt gets in, he'll take what little you have and you'll be happy with a white man in the whitehouse. STUPID

Question: who said that in his first year in office, there would be migration reform? What was his excuse for that not been his priority?? If he blamed congress, then i have news for you. The composition of congress is not likely to change, if he did not do it while he had democratic congress, why should we believe he will do it in the next four years?
No sea pendejo, no votes por Obama!

Wake up and smell the cafe, pendejo! Look all around you, en America se habla Español, face it, 12 million is only the illigal population, there is still all those who are legal, and the those of other ethnicities who had the common sense to learn spanish, you better get on the wagon, princess, and if you miss it, there's always the back of the truck!

" Look all around you, en America se habla Español, face it, 12 million is only the illigal population, there is still all those who are legal, and the those of other ethnicities who had the common sense to learn spanish, you better get on the wagon, princess, and if you miss it, there's always the back of the truck!"

LOL Yeah press 2 for spanish.......

Here is some common sense....LEARN THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE OF THE COUNTRY YOU ARE IMMIGRATING TO.

Actually, now I couldn't care less about illegals coming here. Just learn the language. Why should I learn their language? I didnt immigrate to mexicant.

Latinos are lazy and expect everyone to conform to their language. If you have a problem and don't want to learn the language, get out of the country. If you want a better life in america, stop being a lazy latino and actually work hard to learn the language like my ancestors had to when they came over (legally).

I'm latino, and I wish so much everyone was pro-legal immigration and against illegal immigration. We complain so much that in our countries of origin, people don't respect the laws and their is caos, yet some people think it is ok to break the law to get here. And I hate the stigma ofmpeople wondering wether someone is legal or illegal or what! And as a country, we need to be selective in who we accept as immigrats. I don't wantthe caos from Mexico being imported here!

Thank you. Spoken like a human and a true American. You understand that it is not where you came from; rather, it is how you got here. i don't care if someone is Mexican, Canadian, Asian, or African. I just want people to immigrate here legally.

So, have you taken a look at our legal immigration? For some very smart people, I mean people who went to school here and have their Ph.D's and MS's from our schools have to wait for 10-12 yrs to become permanent residents. They pay taxes all along and contribute to Social Security, yet can never take a penny from SS until they become legal residents here.We should reform our employment based immigration system and then ask others to come here legally. The other option would be say that we don't like any more immigration, legal or illegal.

Good old Chicago style politics. Just before an election, let's hand out visas and a path to citizenship like candy to illegal aliens who have jumped the line on those who actually obey our laws and want to come here legally. Remember, our government is not shot through with corruption, and we are not a Third World banana republic!

No mention of the border agent shot and killed in Arizona – How many more must suffer before this ends?? No mention of the UNIVISION howl about El Diego killing 16 teenagers with FAST AND FURIOUS weapons supplied by the Administration. No mention of a lot of things the liberal media doesn't want people to know. I used to think CNN was coming around to being moderate – but not when they neglect stories that are ACTUAL news.

its funny that white americans criticizes immigrants , lets ee, all you white racists are immigrants and its also funny the only people who dont has any saying in this immigration debate are the real americans, kets see , thats the native american. ahs all these illegals been WHITE IMMIGRANTS , THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN GEEN CARDS ALREADY.

The Latinos are just being lied to and used by Obama, for their votes. Where was Obama for the last 4 years, when it came to helping the Latinos ??? In 2008, he made empty promises for their votes ... and, now, months before the 2012 election, once again, he is making empty promises for their votes. If Obama gets reelected, the U.S. will turn into a third world country, with the same lack of freedoms and opportunities, as the countries escaped from, to come here. Don't be fooled again ... Dump Obama in November !!!

You seem to forget that us white immigrants familys came over here the legal way and earned their citizenship the legal way and then we were born here with legal citizen parents the legal way. Do you get it yet LEGAL LEGAL LEGAL!!!

whats funny to me ray, is the fact that people bring up native americans. how are back are we going to go? what was any country before a group of people came in, planted a flag, drew boundaries, made war with everybody else, killed the people that were already there, and called it home. EVERY SINGLE COUNTRY HAS DONE THIS!!!!!!! didn't the native americans take the land from the Mongolians who crossed the Bering Striat? How far back do we go?

No matter who the candidate is, you cannot make illegal immigration right. There are legal pathways and process to follow,...follow them. Don't sneak into this country through the back door and expect to be welcomed with open arms. You broke the law!!!!!!

If a young child, say four years old, is brought to this country by her parents, and later works hard and qualifies to go to an outstanding college, are you saying she should be denied this opportunity?

no, the child did nothing wrong. but perhaps... maybe... the PARENT WHO ILLEGALLY IMMIGRATED WITH A CHILD INSTEAD OF TRYING TO FOLLOW THE LEGAL IMMIGRATION PROCESS should have some consequences. Do people forget that these innocent children were brought here by parents who willingly broke the law?

was she born here? No. Is she legal? No. Then she doesn't have the right to the same education as an american. Go back to your country, get a green card, and come to school here legally. It isn't my fault her parents were greedy mexicants.

So if my father robs a bank then gives me the money should I be allowed to keep it? If this person was smart enough to get into a good university then he is smart enough to know that he and his family is breaking the law

We see how you republicant's on this blog, in fact, comments on this article, are so hateful and you want us to side with YOU! If anyone disagree with you people you resort to racist name calling and stereotyping...and you want us to side with you...

Exactly! That's why it's hard to believe that some folks of Latin American descent would even side with this majority racist and ethnocentric party. It's like, "thanks for the vote! Now get the [bleep] out! USA! USA! USA!" lol

I would like many here to consider that in the military today, there are numerous Hispanics, many citizens, some not, who are willing to die defending your right to free speech. Think about that, please.

the first amendment protects you from a tyrannical government. Killing a bunch of muslims in the middle east does nothing to protect my free speech. this war has nothing to do with our freedoms. It has to do with power, money and oil.

What "white" people do you speak of you racist? Based upon your statement, African Americans, Middle Easterners or even Asians shouldn't be concerned with immigration? The only lying and cheating going on is people who think they have a right to sneak into America in the dark of night without following the law like most do. Illegal means the law has been broken. Either follow it or somehow change it!

Just because your parents where able to pay for you to get here doesn't mean that every other immigrant has that same opportunity...same typical rich mentality, doesn't matter where in the world they are from. You got here legaly because your parents where able to buy your visa to come here douch bag, stay out of politics and go drive your mercedez benz.

Let me see if I get this right. He followed the LAW to get here and he is somehow the bad guy? I guess that you believe that if I own a house some homeless person should just be able to kick in the door and live here or that someone should be able to take my car if I do not have one? You are part of the problem by villifying someone who is advocating the rule of law rather than crime. Or is it that you are here illegally and trying to justify your criminal ways?

Just because Robert doesn't want to go along with the Marxist program to make the West a global socialist order and believes that nations need sovereignty and law and order doesn't make him a bigot. Maybe it's your dirty little mind that makes him that way? You may not know it, but you are utilizing a tool called "Critical Theory" espoused back in the 1950s for use in stirring up racial strife. Critical Theory was written about and espoused by Herbert Marcuse of the Frankfurt School, a Neo-Marxist group that fled Germany in 1938 and set up camp in the U.S. Critical theory says that if one calls another names long enough, the witnesses eventually accept the definition, even if it is completely false. Eventually, the victim comes to believe the accusation. This is how our educational system, Civil Rights Movement, Women's Movement and others "social change" movements worked. They created disturbances, such as Selma and then accused those reacting to the disgusting events that took place there as a plan. It's an old game. The informed know it, you're using it. I hope that TIM and other readers are aware of it.

..."Then I'll get on my knees and pray, we don't get fooled again!" There are many ways to see things, but if you think things are so much better, why do we need to pretend so much in the media and why does so much local news need to be surpressed?

We want them out of America but, yet the same ones want them out or hiring them for jobs. People come here for a better life you cant get mad because they want it better for their kids than they had for themselves. just remember one thing this land was not purchased it was taken, so if the native don't mind it should nt be a problem.

It's more about ability than rights. Whites were able to muscle our way in, those here before us didn't willingly let us in for the most part. Then we used our strength to set up and sometimes enforce laws regarding entry of others into this country. We've now largely abdicated what we once saw as our responsibility to uphold those laws. Change happens, and is not always totally imposed from the outside.

Oh 1twinsfan, why stop at Hollywood? How many positions in our beloved Twinkies are being usurped right now by brown-eyed, black-haired, dark skinned latinos... obviously all of them illegal, if we go by the comments so aptly posted all over the place by the best examples of the last remaining Neanderthals left on earth?... when we could have ALL positions played by 6'6" tall, blonde, blue-eyed northern europeans, just like God intended for a MN team? lmao

Illegal isn't a race. No one has a problem with Immigration as long as they enter through the front door and sign the guest book you buffoon. It's bigots like you who interject race into this issue...because you're the racist!

How else would you explain them gaming the system so that only the earnings up to he level of middle class is subject to payroll taxes and the earnings of multi-millionaires are not? Or that Romney paid less than any middle class family in taxes last year on earnings 1000 times larger?

Autocratic.... I would replace this one with Theocratic = Rule by a certain religion. 'nuff said.

Totally CLUELESS- Romney paid taxes on ORDINARY income first, then when he invested it and it gained more value, he was then taxed again at the Capital Gains rate. in Other words he has paid taxes on it TWICE. Even a really dense Lib should be able to understand that and quit repeating total falsehoods.

Please don't put your stupidity on display for everyone to see. Romney paid more than the Middle Class in taxes, he merely had a smaller percentage. The last figure I saw for his 2012 taxes said he paid something like $12,000,000 in taxes. I had a higher percantage rate but I (only) paid about $15,000. He could easily move to another country with a lower tax rate and not pay anything in US taxes. This is what the politicans have to consider. The 1% pay more in taxes in a year than I will make in a lifetime.

He paid taxes on the money he made and then paid taxes on the capital gains from the investments, which is NEW money, no the same money he had before. What is unfair is that the rate he paid on capital gains is half of what everybody else who isn't rich, paid on their income. Capital gains should be taxed at the same rate as ever other income, or the rich, who make a disproportionate amount of their income as capital gains, will continue to pay lower rates than working Americans. How more regressive can taxes get?

I kind of disagree. Immigration does play a part in how Hispanics vote but not for the reasons most people think. Remember, all of those who are here illegally cannot vote–despite what the GOP says, so passing immigration reform would only affect those who cannot vote. Yes, most Hispanics have a family member who is here illegal, and most would like some sort of amnesty for their loved ones. But the majority, as weird as it sounds, don't want the floodgates of immigration open–most kind of agree that the US needs to secure its borders. Yes, we want immigration reform but it is not the driving force on why we tend to vote Democrat. Where Republicans lose us is when they vilify us. When they generalize and accuse us of coming here only to take advantage of the system; to steal jobs; to commit crimes; to have babies. That is where immigration plays a role....because most us who call the US home and have assimilated into this society were once illegal. We were once them looking for a better life for our families. Many of us are now doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, housekeepers, gardeners, plumbers.....we are law abiding taxpayers.

I might point out that, I checked the wait times for different countries in the USCIS web site (La Migra, cabrones!) I found out that for Mexico, for example, the wait times to "begin" processing an application are in the 10 years range, while for other countries it is in the months to a couple of years. When I point out that the system is broken, I always point out that there are many people who would like to LEGALLY immigrate from Mexico and fill out their paperwork and do it the right way, but... once they see that other countries get it relatively easy and Mexico gets slapped with country-specific Xenophobic quotas, some may either give up or decide to come here just the same. When immigration quotas are fixed so that some countries are not penalized over others, then we might have more people coming in legally and less people coming in illegally... which I believe is what most of us want.

This is not just limited to Mexico. Please don't bring race card here. Employment based green cards for Indians can take close to 15 yrs (EB3-I without any spillover) and for chinese could take 10 yrs. The system is broken, there is nothing racist about it. Should we fix it, absolutely, but is it racist, not really.

When it comes to immigration the government has "NEVER" done the will of the people, instead have committed treason against the people!
Amnesty (IRC) Amnesty of 1986: 2.8 million criminals Amnesty
Amnesty of 1994 : Amnesty of 1994 578,000 criminals Amnesty
Amnesty of 1997: Amnesty of 1997 1.5 million criminals from Nicaraguan Criminals Amnesty
Amnesty of 1998: Amnesty of 1998 150,000 criminals from Haitian, Amnesty
Amnesty of 2000 : Amnesty of 2000 500,000 criminals Amnesty
Amnesty of 2000 : Amnesty of 2000 1.5 million criminals Amnesty

After living in the U.S. for ten (10) years the average amnestied criminals only had a 7th grade education and earned less than $ 9,000.00 a year. It is time we the people do the government's job to help get rid of these vermin criminals out of the U.S. along with their children, tun in an illegal today get them out of this country WE THE PEOPLE DO NOT WANT YOU HERE !!!!!!

I wonder if I moved into one of these Latinos houses while they weren't looking and occupied one of their rooms how they'd feel about it. And if they said anything I'd use the defense, "but I'm a good person, and I want to be here, and I'll do things you don't want to do, so you have to let me stay – if you don't you're a racist." And add the caveat, "Oh, and by the way ... I'm not going to help out with the rent, insurance, electricity bills, etc ... and whatever money you pay me I'm going to send half of it back to my family and not spend it here. Plus, I expect that if I do get sick or need assistance you'll pay for it, because I can't be bothered to take care of myself. Also, I plan on having about eight kids after my wife also move into my house - who you cannot bar from entering because I'm here now - and then all six of my siblings will come, and about 20 of my cousins and aunts and uncles ... and you have to let us all stay here in your house."

I'd love to see how that would go over ... something tells me they wouldn't like it anymore than the rest of us do when the shoe is on the other foot.

People have to understand, Immigration is not the most important issue to the Latinos... but it *IS* a dealbreaker. It's not a question of how much they agree with an issue or not; if you are against a comprehensive immigration reform that is not enforcement-only, then you are not electable. Period.

I'm for making it harder to legally immigate to the US, and for setting lower annual quotas. I'm also for stepping up efforts to make life more difficult for the illegals already here. Large fines and jail time for employers who knowingly employ illegals to start with. I'm also for using the US military to perform a traditional duty of national armies: Securing the borders.

Please analyze: why are people so angry with the illegal immigrants...while at the meantime the american GOP candidate does not pay taxes, and keepes his money off shores in the Caribbean? THAT IS A SHAME supporting a PRESIDENTAL candidate who does not pay taxes!!

Unlike you, he doesn't need to live on a paycheck to paycheck. While you were partying you paycheck money away, he was investing his money, creating wealth, and working around the system loopholes to financial independence.

I would like to extend an invisible hug. Because you are obviously in need. Give our country away to foreigners is the dumbest thing I've ever read. I suggest you seek medical assistance. Valium works very well, my bigoted friend!

Obama is backed by a Latino, Hugo Chavez, not sure why anyone would want to back anyone that has the full backing of a Socialist government unless they are for a Socialist government here in this country. But then again many that cal themselves Latinos are foolish enough to have voted for Obama in the name of the next hand out. Such a pity, the willingness of a group of people willing to lower themselves to the levels that back a Socialist party. Obama and Chavez

I have a solution for those who no longer want to vote for Mr. Obama, andfor those who refuse to vote for Mr. Romney.
There is a third candidate running in most states – Gary Johnson. You might want to check his record out and consider a vote in that direction.

We are stupid! Our incompetent government allowed 11 million illegal persons (mostly well meaning) to enter and stay in the US. Sorry, it is now a done deal. Best to just find a way to allow them to become citizens.

I don't quite understand this. Republicans blocked immigration reform. Then they claim that the president did nothing for immigration reform so you shouldn't vote for him. This makes no sense as an argument- why do people buy into it?

Why is that surprising? The GOP blocked jobs bills, health care for 9/11 first responders and they have tried to block trade agreements with Korea. There sole stated goal since 2009 has been to defeat Obama's re-election at all costs. They have no plan to fix things because fixing things would mean fixing Washington and that would mean getting away from the two party system.

The last attempt to pass immigation reform was during George Bush's last term and other Republicans and A lot of Democrats were strongly against it as it was a form of amnesty. Obama has not even attempted to introduce a reform program. Don't blame GOP for blocking it.

Non white immigrants who think that the gop has there intrests at heart, are simply foolish. For over 50 years it had been the democrats that have rallied behind human rights. most latin immigrants choose the gop because of there chaim to be christian. Any whom vote with faith are simply foolish.

To have the candidate from the most latino-hating party in history appear on channel with such a prominently latino audience looked more like a desperate attempt at securing votes, while waiting for them to look the other way to stab them in the back.

All that Romney has to offer is enforcement of a broken system. A broken system is not to be enforced, it is to be fixed first, THEN enforced after the fix.

Nearly every single study of Latinos reveals that the most important issue is THE ECONOMY NOT IMMIGRATION. What is it with these left wing news orgs and activist groups that want to make it seem like we care about illegals. Especially when two of the largest groups (Cubans and Puerto Ricans) are not affected by immigration at all.

It makes no sense. Its like saying Isreal is the most important issue for all Americans.

Yes, not prioritizing illegal immigration makes me a bad person. Despite the fact that no one in my family is affected by immigration (from PR) I should make it a priority in my life because people like you think all Latinos are the same. Take your ignorance elsewhere.

I'm sorry but it's "immigration stupid for uneducated latinos." We're not supposed to put illegal immigration in front of trying to fix an economy ruined by right wing tax cuts, deregulation and trickle down!!! I'm so tired of everyone thinking that each latino is or has someone in their family who is an illegal immigrant when quite frankly, many of us have been here for generations and have never had anyone in our families who was ever and illegal immigrant. And I'm saying all of this as a left of left liberal. I want my taxes to pay for American citizens first, and then maybe everyone else. I cant stand watching Spanish language TV because it caters to illegal immigrants. Here in Los Angeles, just yesterday I saw a report on Spanish language TV that made it seem like Gov Jerry Brown implemented an AZ type immigration policy when in fact, you will get deported if you get caught and commit a crime, which I totally agree with!! It's that simple!!!! So annoyed with the recent wave of immigrants, especially when my parents came they HAD to learn English and now no one wants to learn English and get out of the freaking barrio...

Actually, law enforcement in our state will no longer be able to hold illegals period, which I do agree to a certain extent. But it does open some loopholes, like if someone is pulled over and they have a car full of illegals, then the officer can't call immigration, and law enforcement must set them free, because they were not breaking any laws, except for the driver. This will lead to bigger problems, because law enforcement will not be able to do any kind of background check either, because any of the illegals or for that matter legal citizen can claim to be an illegal, and does not have to give an I.D.. You could have a wanted murder, and you will have to let them go for example because of that loophole...

Lets compare the presidencies of Obama and Bush to conventional weapons. The damage Obama has done to this country would be like a hand grenade compared to the MIRV loaded with 5 Mt nukes that was Bush. If you really think Obama has done more damage to this country in 4 years than Bush did in 8, then please tell me where I can buy some of those drugs you are smoking.

Hey Bob, when was the last time you been in a welfare office? How about this Bob, how can they afford three or more children, on a minimum wage job, and afford nice cars, and cell phones, and other goodies? I find a lot of them are collecting welfare, because the women will not tell who the father is, so they have a nice double income. Why do you think the state of California is going belly up?

It's immigration if you got a visa and signed in. But if you sneaked into the USA in the trunk of a car, running across the border at night, or some other method of deceit, then it's ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

Latino voters in NV do not want us to enforce existing immigration laws regarding deportation. They want amnesty for their illegal alien cousins. Those latino POS are so stupid and un-American is sickening. They don't care about America they just want their people to sneak in the US and get taxpayer benefits. Why are we letting these POS lationos in the US anyway? Deport them and stop birthright citizenship. Their interests are contrary to American values.

LatinoUSA; It's no use...the more you try to handle these uninformed fools, incredulous b*st*rds the dumber you become. Just sit back and wait for 7 Nov 12 and watch the crying, the moaning and snashing of teeth as President Obama beautiful smile of Victory permeates the air waves!! ViVa!

If Obama is reelected we won't have to worry about immigration reform because immigrants go where the jobs are. Obama has proven he can't get the economy going, so immigrants will soon realize there is no reason to come here.

the fact is, that illegal immigration is hurting the lation/hispanic people. if we could at least slow down the illegal immigration, then we would have more resources available to those who came here legally and those who did not, but are already here.

in a nation that is funded by taxes, a portion of that should always be available to help those who need it. but consider the upcoming very low increase in social security dollars paid out, the very low increase in military salaries, the very low increase in food stamps and other social welfare benefits and you will see that the states with the lowest increases, to include the federal gov't, is due to having to spend more on illegal immigrants.

this is a burden on society and a burden on the gov't. we are spending ourselves out of money and could soon see an economic crisis much like that of greece.

For people who beleive in truth, justice, and accountability: illegal aliens have committed a crime by illgegally entering America. Illegal Aliens are criminals. We should not be absolving ccriminals and letting them step ahead of all those who are not criminals and have properly entered the country legally. It's about honor, and justice and fairness who those who have followed the rules. It's the law, stupid.

So. An immigrant from Colombia has an interest in an issue that directly affects her. She likes his business sensibilities. I bet she does, Romney's business methods have a lot in common with illegals exploiting our country and paying no taxes on what they take. Amazing. Imagine how a person who was born in America feels about a person who came to his country illegally and pays no taxes, uses tax paid resources and then votes for a guy who wants to outsource industry because it's 'good business'.... unreal....

Are the airlines, DMV, military bases, TSA, court rooms across America discriminating against illegal immigrants by requiring Federal photo ID for identification? If not, then why are we saying that voting the direction of our future in America is any less important? I don't like Romney but he was right on with his statement that many (not all) low income and no income American expect, in fact demand, something for nothing. These are the people, including those illegals with no ID who will vote for anyone offering them a free ride at the taxpayers’ expense.

What people don’t realize is the 47% included everybody; the military, veterans, students, farm workers, policemen, firemen, laborers, guards, security workers, salespersons, hospital workers, office workers, part-time helpers, builders, electricians, plumbers, insurance agents, teachers, restaurant workers, factory and all industrial workers, servicers, truck, bus, taxi, and limo drives, phone talkers, servitude workers for the rich, computer operators, every level of government employees and all local politicians. Not only the current workers who pay the taxes, but also the seniors, handicapped, disabled, and diseased, who at some point in their life, paid taxes. Every decent job, every means of earning an honest living; including menial labor (the work that no one else wants to do), all are worked by middle class, and remember, for most of us it still takes 2 incomes to maintain middle-class status. Mitt was speaking (lying) to his super-rich brothers who, like him, honestly believe that half of this nation are just a bunch of free-loaders who never accomplished anything with their lives as evidenced by them not living on a level akin to theirs. They’ve always written off a good amount of the population, starting with Reagan’s acceptance of 6% unemployment as a norm, plus the high prison population, and don’t forget the homeless. This is all entwined into their thinking.

"Nevada leads the nation in the number of foreclosures and in the unemployment rate – 12.6%. The rate among Hispanics is even worse – a dismal 14.6%."

Too bad that many beleived what the real estate and mortgage "sharks" told them: that they could afford a house beyond their economic means. You can't buy a house on minimum wage and with no down payment, but that's what many were sold on. Just get into the house and in 2-3 years you can borrow on the appreciated value...FREE MONEY.
Sorry that it didn't work out that way for you and thousands of others. You were fooled, and the Gov't doesn't have any responsibility to bail you out.

We need to do what President Truman did after WWII "Operation Wetback" get them out of our country now before it's too late. They want our jobs, our homes, our way of life but don't want to do it legally. After WWII jobs went back to Americans and the economy was better than it's ever been because we got all illegals milking our system to leave. Now it's what can American give me free. They've learned well under obama and 4 more years of this person will destroy all of us.

Obi-Wan-Obama would like ALL to be indentured servants of the Gov't. The Gov't would be the "company store", holding their debt and keeping them in servitude through the monthly checks they would get for housing subsidation, food stamps, and other handouts. "Why Work For It" would be the new rallying cry. Even Nancy Pelosi stated that she would GIVE medical insurance to those "artists" who couldn't afford it, so that they could stay home and "practice their art"...like paint by numbers while watching Oprah.

Dear Bobbi,
Please do us all a favor and find the tallest structure in your trailer park and jump off it head first. If illegal immigrants are taking your job and your way of life then you should really reconsider the quality of your work. Illegal immigrants "DO NOT" qualify for public assistance or any federal funding because they are "illegal". So please stop trying to spread your ignorance and bigotry.

You are forgetting that many illegal people come here then have children. Those children do qualify for government handouts. Then they have more children to get more handouts. As you have said they are not paying taxes, so they are getting free handouts from the state and federal government.

And to those that say they are paying taxes on the free handouts. In reality they are not. They never paid into the system. They are handing part of the systems funds back into the system. Look at it this way. There is a bucket of water. You take a cup full of water out. You add 1/4 of that cup back to the bucket. Without some other source of water to refill the bucket, the bucket runs out of water. That is what has happened in this country.

Lol, Mitt Romney just declared that he will not deport any illegal immigrants. So all those who are rabidly jumping up and down for Romney, go ahead and vote for the non-Christian Mormon polygamist. Remember that his family did the same thing as the illegal immigrants. They just jumped the border on the other side to continue their immoral practices of shod marriage and polygamy.

Funny, I just heard a latino mom interviewed on a CBS news affiliate saying that it was about the economy and how she's not much better off. Actually a couple others in the report said the same thing. Oh that's right, we can't talk about that pesky little problem called lower total household incomes, job losses and a stalled economy right now. You're right, it's about allowing more people into the country to fill all the jobs we have just waiting for people. My bad.

Watch what you say,if its what you believe and happens to not agree with CNN's agenda,they willeither not print it or will censor your comments. I guess there are no real journalists working at CNN anymore because if they were they'd be protesting censorship of free speech. I guess free speech is not a cocern to journalists here anymore.

They actually tried to make the term "illegal immigrant" a slur
They actually want us to speak Spanish to them
They dont want have to carry identification.
They want to shoot police, throw rocks at police, and hit police with cars, and still be victims
They want to be citizens of the Us, and not even have to be born here, as long as they get accross the border by 16
What do they offer in return if they cant even offer loyalty?

How do you think Native Americans felt when Europeans showed up and started taking everything. Your position is ironic in light of the fact your country was settled by immigrants ' illegally" taking land that didn't belong to them and destroying the native culture in the meantime.

Wow, she must be one of the dumbest immigrant on the US. Now I understand why the GOP wants to ship everyone back. If all immigrants are this dumb then we should vote for the GOP. Talk about a backhand slap. Wow.

Why should illegal immigrants expect to get American citizenship ?? Are they victims ?? Does America owe them something ?? Or should they just return to their country of citizenship and apply to come here legally ??

Dont be so self righteous. You didnt do anything to earn your citizenship. At least when an immigrant gets citizenship they have to at the very least prove knowledge of American History, they have to prove that theres an attempt to be a productive and contributing member of society. I personally know imany mmigrants who are now citizens and are much more productive a pay a significantly higher tax rate than a lot of folks who were born here.

So, the rule should be something like this: just because one was born here shouldn't give them the right to be here? Perhaps there should be an exchange program. If we can't show that we are more of an asset than a particular immigrant, we should be deported to wherever that immigrant came from? Or something...

Immigration is fine; an invasion of illegals, not so much. But both parties have supported the illegal invasion for so many years that we must just face the fact that we don't really have any way to oppose it any longer at this point.

So let's learn Spanish so we can at least help those concerned know how we really feel about them in a language they understand. English isn't cutting it.

An added bonus would be an ability to vie for jobs at McDonald's more effectively. lol.

When someone has valid point I take it seriously, I been in this country for eight years, my company needed a specialist in the US, and I accepted the challenge, I did not want to come but it was a great opportunity. However that aside you Americans have the right to control your borders, and enforce the laws of the land, As a Latino living LEGALY in the US I find disturbing some of the comments and action expressed here, also I find a bit of misinformation when it comes to people like me. We like our Kids to speak both languages, we want our kids to have a great education, and we are ready to leave this country when the time comes. I am paying my way and my kids education, I pay all taxes without complain and I have all my money here not overseas. Unfortunately I don’t feel welcome here and I have expressed that to my bosses.. once my contract is up I am leaving the US never to come back. I already have offers to go to Australia and New Zealand.

That's another problem with illegal immigration, isn't it. People will not take the time to distinguish who is here legally and who isn't; it's not always easy to find out anyway, nor is it politically correct to even try and find out these days. I'm sorry that has made your time here unpleasant, but I guess that's just one more bad thing that happens when people don't respect laws.

High birth rates, high legal immigration quotas and high illiegal immigration leads to a rapidly changing America. The fact that so many politicians kowtow to this growing minority and often lacks the backbone to say in those cases when you are here illegally you do not have the same rights as those who are does not bode well. It IS all about the votes.

Aparently Latinos dont care about the ecconomy, perhaps not having a job doesnt effect them. If this article is correct they only care about helping more south and central Americans to further freeload off our already weak ecconomy.

Immigration is an economic related problem and republicans and democrats are part of the problem. illegals are the big problem. They make money in our country by working hard and being paid in cash with no receipts. There are many Americans who are performing labor intensive work for so called cash under the table. They don't pay taxes, payroll taxes, medicare tax. Gross to them is what they were paid. A lot send money back to their families in Mexico, Honduras, etc... Louisiana pays a lot of their construction labor force the same way. I don't want to even get started with Drugs and human trafficing in our country that is also cash only and no receipts. So what do republicans choose to do. Go after the middle class income workers by raising their taxes. Democrats want to go after the upper class for higher taxes. The poor are more likely to be working under the table for these crooks who won't pay them much or report it so they don't have to pay their part of payroll tax and medicare etc... Problems are all so obvious and for a century nothing is done about the illegal stuff, because the politicians support it. Listen to Romney and Obama. If I have to pick one for President, I am stcking with the guy in the box already.

Actually it is Americans that do not pay taxes, are on welfare, and freeload of the government.

Latinos are dumb too, everybody knows the Republicans are racists even though they will be "appalled" if you call them that but it shows in their Obama ads and it show at the RNC when they ganged up on the Puerto Rican lady when she tried to speak (they stated it wasn't so but when it comes to Latinos are immigration the key word for white Americans is the chant "USA" which is code language)

So, dear Latinos, you want a fair, open and just government then make sure that you don't put these kind of people into office. I will NEVER vote Republican simply because of their racist foundation. It just like taking blood money from drug dealers and use it for charity.

As a Mexican American citizen who has proudly served America, any one who places their own well being before others is a fool and does not deserve the rights and benefits this country offers. It is NOT immigration. It's the economy.

Putting others before self is admirable, and I have the highest admiration for our armed foces. How every using scarce rescources unwisely is also foolish. This is why you feed your family and not world, right? Are you foolish for doing so?
Each philosophy has its place.

You accuse Republicans of being racists but I guess you don't know people like Marco Antonio Rubio, Condoleezza Rice, Clarence Thomas, etc. They have one thing in Common. They are minorities and they are Republicans.. I think you need to do a little fact finding about the Republican party before insinuating they are all racists..

Don't go there, we've been rewarding people for doing wrong for a long time. Bernie Madoff is one example, although in the end he got caught. Plenty of people don't get caught though. Ok, I'm kind of kidding; what else can one do at this point than laugh about the ridiculousness of it all?

No offense to Latinos (or anyone of color for that matter), but they will vote for Obama just like the VAST minority of African Americans will vote for him. No one wants to talk about it, but a lot of this upcoming election is based on race. Obviously Obama has done nothing substantial for Latinos over the past 4 years, but the last thing they want to see is a rich white guy in the White House. Prove me wrong! Tell me that race doesn't matter in politics when it comes to voting...

We (blacks) vote largely democrat regardless of the color of that democrat's skin. I agree with anoter poster who stated they won't vote republican because of their racist foundation. I'm all for fiscal responsibility as much as the next person, but I will not support a party of racists, especially what the republican party has become today. The way I see it, I have no choice but to vote for Obama. Romney is from the Mormon Church. Mormans are raised with the theory that black people are inherently inferior. How could I vote for a person like him?

Sounds like you're prejudiced yourself, with the statement you made. There are also many fiscally responsible Republicans who are appalled at the wild spending spree the Democrats continually indulge themselves with. Republicans, as a historical point, were not established based on racist policies. Unfortunately, when one party slings a ton of mud at the other party, like emotion-laden folks inhabiting the Democratic party do, it becomes impossible to discern the truth anymore. That is why people have lost the ability to determine the true positions and implications of the votes that they cast.

If we're talking religion here, and talking about how some religions teach that other religions/people are inferior to their own, I think someone should be taking a little deeper look into the Baptists. Some years ago 60 Minutes had a segment on them, and their beliefs that only Baptists will go to heaven. It was a good laugh, but frightening at the same time that there's people out there that believe that other religions are inferior to their own. There's a biblical statement about casting stones that I think applies in sassystick's case.

Did you vote for Bush, Daddy Bush, All the other white presidents because they were white or because of their policies and what they stood for? You have the nerve to say Black folk are voting for Obama because he is Black? You're nuts! If it the Race was between Huckabee and Mr. 999 Herman Cain, we would vote for "None of the Above"! So stick your racist nose back in the sand and continue to vote for Mittens the "Stealer" Rom-noodles!!! Obama/Biden 2012.

Ok, so there is no mention that President Obama gave them their highest ranking latino ever by putting a latino on the Supreme Court. And, President Obama is the one who signed an executive order so the young ones can stay. Sounds to me like Nevada latinos are not really appreciating the things that President Obama has done for them. It is Romney's party that blocked the Dream Act. It is no way that Romney is going to do anymore for them that the President has already done.

The president did not give "them" (latinos) the highest ranking public official "they" have ever had. He took the highest ranking and most capable AMERICAN who happens to be of hispanic heritage and nominated her for that post. Plus, the "young ones" are not Mexican or latino or hispanics, they are AMERICAN because they are growing up here in AMERICA. It is because of people like you that this argument is totally moot. Once we stop separating ourselves by how we look we may be able to move this country forward.

"Nevada has the highest dropout rate among the 50 states. Only about 60% of Hispanic students in Nevada graduate from high school, according to the state of Nevada." This statement makes the case for deporting illegals and not giving them amnesty. We have enough high school dropouts do we really need to import more with the carrot of amnesty.

Deport and unquestionably not hand out *driver's licenses*, as California will now do, thanks to Gov. Moonbeam Brown. Americans have to realize that 48 million latinos – 20 million of which are illegal aliens – have such a hold on the business community and Chamber of Commerce lobbyists in Congress that the country is gone. The last bullet to the head was the ability of business to buy elections, thanks to Citizen United/Supreme Court decision. Why the U.S. doesn't have immigration laws, at the very least, as stringent as Mexico's ought have been a warning alert to Americans over the past 30 years.

Anyone aside the richest thinking Romney will cut their taxes is delusional. Cutting tax rate and then taking away all deductions will not lower your tax, that's simple math that they know most Americans just can't do.

NO, its NOT Immigration. Its the ECONOMY.. Without AMERICAN businesses, there is no reason for them to be HERE.. They come here, work, sometimes pay taxes, sometimes dont. Take food stamps and free education. ITS ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION... STUPIDS

It's not the chidren's fault and it's not our fault either,the blame lies squarely on the parents who put their children in harm's way.Don't try to blame us because mexican parents run away to America and leave their families alone.Don't blame us because some fool smuggles children into a country where nobody wants them.

Well then Mr. Aware, those parents should be brought up on child abuse charges. Most of them get here and then they leave their children here when they get caught and have to go back to where they came from. This seems like child abuse to me. Taking your children with you when you are committing a crime is child abuse.

About In America

What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.